Our Summary

The study examined the use of hemostatic agents (HAs) - substances that help stop bleeding - during a type of kidney surgery called partial nephrectomy. The researchers looked at a bunch of different studies to compare results from surgeries where HAs were used on their own and surgeries where HAs were used with standard suturing (stitching). The results showed that using HAs reduced the amount of time the surgery took, the time the kidney was without blood flow, and the amount of blood loss during surgery. Using HAs also didn’t increase the risk of complications after surgery. These results suggest that HAs could be a helpful tool in this type of surgery, but the researchers note that more well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What are hemostatic agents (HAs) and what role do they play in partial nephrectomy surgeries?
  2. Did the use of HAs in partial nephrectomy surgeries increase the risk of postoperative complications according to the study?
  3. What are the noted benefits of using hemostatic agents in partial nephrectomy surgeries according to the research?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about nephrectomy is to discuss the use of hemostatic agents with their surgeon. HAs can help reduce the amount of time the surgery takes, decrease blood loss, and potentially improve outcomes. It’s important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider to see if HAs are a suitable option for your specific case.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for nephrectomy include those with:

  1. Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
  2. Kidney stones that are causing severe pain or blockage
  3. Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) that do not improve with antibiotics
  4. Severe kidney damage or failure
  5. Polycystic kidney disease
  6. Trauma or injury to the kidney
  7. Severe kidney bleeding (renal artery aneurysm)
  8. Donor nephrectomy for kidney transplant

It is important for patients to discuss their specific condition and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if nephrectomy is the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before nephrectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine the need for nephrectomy, such as imaging tests, blood tests, and consultations with healthcare providers.
  2. Patient may undergo pre-operative preparations such as fasting, medication adjustments, and instructions on how to prepare for surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes the nephrectomy surgery, which can be performed as an open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery.
  4. During the surgery, the affected kidney is removed, and any necessary repairs or treatments are performed.
  5. After the surgery, the patient is monitored closely for any complications and is given post-operative care and instructions.

After nephrectomy:

  1. Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue in the immediate post-operative period.
  2. Patient is monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection, bleeding, or blood clots.
  3. Patient may stay in the hospital for a few days for recovery and observation.
  4. Patient is advised on post-operative care, such as wound care, pain management, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
  5. Patient may undergo rehabilitation or physical therapy to regain strength and function.
  6. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments and tests to monitor their kidney function and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a nephrectomy and why is it being recommended in my case?
  2. What are the different types of nephrectomy procedures and which one is most suitable for me?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with nephrectomy?
  4. How long is the recovery process after a nephrectomy and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or options to consider instead of nephrectomy?
  6. Will I need any special medications or follow-up care after the surgery?
  7. How will a nephrectomy affect my kidney function and overall health in the long term?
  8. What are the chances of the kidney cancer returning after a nephrectomy?
  9. How experienced are you in performing nephrectomy procedures and what is your success rate?
  10. Are there any specific guidelines or restrictions I should follow before and after the surgery to ensure the best outcome?

Reference

Authors: Guo Q, Lin Y, Zhang C, Guo Y, Long Y, Leng F, Gao J, Cheng Y, Yang L, Du L, Liao G, Huang J. Journal: Urol Int. 2022;106(4):352-359. doi: 10.1159/000518125. Epub 2021 Aug 3. PMID: 34350887